KEVIN Keegan does not believe that it is feasible to drag Manchester City up to the level of Manchester United and Arsenal in his time at Maine Road.

In a brutally frank assessment of Manchester City's standing among the elite, Keegan insisted that the Blues will still be playing second fiddle to the big two when his contract at Maine Road expires in the summer of 2006.

And, giving a clear signal that he will talk away from the Blues in three-and-a-half years' time, Keegan said: "The top six in the next couple of years is a realistic target. But to be up there alongside Arsenal and Manchester United is another matter.

"I would not like to mislead our supporters. We have to stay in the realms of possibility, which is why you won't hear me saying anything about catching Arsenal and United during my time as manager at this club."

While the Blues fans would wecome a top-six Premiership berth as concrete evidence of their club's resurgence under Keegan, they will be concerned that the hugely-popular City boss appears to be confirming his original decision to quit management for good once his current contract expires.

The Maine Road faithful were praying that Keegan would "do a Fergie" and remain at the helm beyond his planned retirement date.

But it seems those prayers will not be answered, with 'King Kevin' still apparently bent on abdicating his throne in the summer of 2006 as he approaches his 55th birthday.

However, Keegan is as determined as ever to transform the Blues into a major Premiership force during his Maine Road tenure.

"I believe Arsenal to be the outstanding side in the Premiership at this moment in time," he added. "They had to prove it against Manchester United last weekend and they will have to prove it again when the two teams meet at Highbury later this season.

"Arsenal are the team that everyone feels are playing soccer the way it was meant to be played.

"They have got pace, cunning, strength and height - all the qualities of a top-class side."

"What makes them even harder to beat is that, under Arsene Wenger, they have become the sort of side that gives absolutely nothing to their opponents."